Welcome to the E46Fanatics forums. E46Fanatics is the premiere website for BMW 3 series owners around the world with interactive forums, a geographical enthusiast directory, photo galleries, and technical information for BMW enthusiasts.

You are currently viewing our boards as a guest which gives you limited access to view most discussions and access our other features. By joining our free community you will have access to post topics, communicate privately with other members (PM), respond to polls, upload content and access many other special features. Registration is fast, simple and absolutely free so please, join our community today!

If you have any problems with the registration process or your account login, please contact contact us.

I think i've got this in the right place but please correct me if i dont!

Ive been reading up on vanos seals on the e46 - Re Loss of power when at low revs and moving off, then a sudden burst of power around 3k rpm.

I am experiencing this on my 2001 318ci Coupe, (143 bhp) but most of the forums are talking of only 6Cyl engines and obviously mine is a 4! Some people are saying the later 1995cc engines have this problem but i am not sure! Can anyone advise me?

And is there a kit for replacing it (DIY?) that will work on the 4cyl?

You either have the older M43 engine with no vanos or the newer N42 engine with double vanos and valvetronic.
The Newer vanos units in the N engines are a different design and don't fail. The solenoids can get clogged and need to be removed and cleaned.
Your symptom can be caused by other failures like vacuum leak.